RBG's Brave & Brilliant Women: 33 Jewish Women to Inspire Everyone

by Nadine Epstein, Bee Johnson (Illustrator), Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Introduction)

This collection of biographies of brave and brilliant Jewish female role models--selected in collaboration with Ruth Bader Ginsburg and including an introduction written by the iconic Supreme Court justice herself-- provides young people with a roster of inspirational role models, all of whom are Jewish women, who will appeal not only to young people but to people of all ages, and all faiths.The fascinating lives detailed in this collection--more than thirty exemplary female role models--were chosen by Ruth Bader Ginsburg, or RBG, as she was lovingly known to her many admirers. Working with her friend, journalist Nadine Epstein, RBG selected these trailblazers, all of whom are women and Jewish, who chose not to settle for the rules and beliefs of their time. They did not accept what the world told them they should be. Like RBG, they dreamed big, worked hard, and forged their own paths to become who they deserved to be.Future generations will benefit from each and every one of the courageous actions and triumphs of the women profiled here. RBG's Brave & Brilliant Women, the passion project of Justice Ginsburg in the last year of her life, will inspire readers to think about who they want to become and to make it happen, just like RBG.

Genres: Nonfiction, History, Judaism, Biography, Middle Grade, Jewish, Audiobook

183 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 21, 2021

About the author

Nadine Epstein is the Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Moment Magazine, founder and executive director of the Center for Creative Change, and founder of the Daniel Pearl Investigative Journalism Initiative. She covered politics in the Chicago bureau of the New York Times and at the City News Bureau of Chicago. She was a Knight-Wallace Fellow at the University of Michigan, holds a B.A. and M.A. in International Relations from the University of Pennsylvania, and was a University Fellow in the political science doctoral program at Columbia University. Epstein has written several books, contributed to anthology collections and co-written a documentary film that was a semifinalist for the 2001 Academy Awards. She is also a photographer and is based in Washington DC.

Reviews

[Juli Jespersen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I chose this book as a fan of RBG, and the stories about the different women were very interesting. However, since I am unfamiliar with Jewish religion/customs and some of the language that was used, it was a little difficult to follow some of the stories. Still a good listen on audiobook!

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful and, many times, uplifting stories, portraits in accessible language of the great Jewish women who inspired RBG.

[Marge Congress · Rating 4 out of 5]

This small (5 x 7) book was written for young readers, but the 3+ page biographies of women, many of whom are not household names, are fascinating. The artwork is eye catching and quite recognizable.
I think it could start an interesting discussion in a book club, or lead the reader to explore more deeply into these interesting women.

[Carolina Colleene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Language: G (0 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G
Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG) and Nadine Epstein had a conversation about how important women are and about the Jewish women that RBG admired. The 33 women that RBG looked up to were writers and politicians, mothers and scientists that all had something in common: they stood up against social norms to fight against discrimination.
I love the range of women that are illustrated in this book; they vary in the times and places they lived as well as in their home lives and careers and the length of their lives. Each of these short biographies talk about who they are as people, their hobbies and passions and families, helping readers to see them as more than simply their lists of accomplishments. Readers are encouraged to do what they can to stand on the shoulders of these great women and remember that you can accomplish great things, too.
Reviewed for https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/

[Erika Dreifus]

Terrific children's book that taught this adult a few things, too!

[Ariel O'Suilleabhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book for young adults which also has adult draw. After all, many young people and people today probably don't realize the amazing part that Jewish women have played in our world for social reform, and bringing awareness to the nation of America especially of what is really going on. From Ruth Bader Ginsberg to Miriam to Regina Jonas to Rosalind Franklin and of course Anne Frank, RBG's Brave & Brilliant Women provides enough bravado for the showing of how courageous Jewish women conducted heroic acts on their own and alone. While groups are sometimes enjoyable and even beneficial because of the power of support, but sadly sometimes during times of this age or the past whether right or wrong - the Jewish woman acting alone and on her own even with limited resources at times, has brought on more good change to the world than many people today even begin to consciously acknowledge. The powerful Jewish woman acting only and specifically on what God alone told her to do such as the prophet Deborah made a more profound mark on the history of our world. Consider Ernestine Rose for example, trailblazing feminist and fighter for the abolition of slavery (1810-1892). Born in Piotrkow, Poland on January 13, 1810 the daughter of a Rabbi her courage blazed a trail of goodness for young woman everywhere today. When her father promised her inheritance to a man he wanted her to marry, she took him to court. "This was his right under Jewish custom, but Ernestine was outraged and did what was unimaginable at the time: she took her father to Polish civil court. She acted as her own attorney and convinced the judge to rule in her favor, gaining both her inheritance and her freedom." Although she turned around and gave the lion's share of the profit to her father, she took just enough money to go to Berlin where she established a special invention she had imagined and then went on to marry a man of her own choice and opened her own small business. She later became a member of the National Woman Suffrage Association and fought for the abolition of slavery as well. "Emancipation from every kind of human bondage is my principle," she once said.

[Zibby Owens · Rating 5 out of 5]

This lists an eclectic group of women that meant the most to Ginsberg and her life. The story of the book is about the evolution of women's rights in the Jewish world, and the evolution of women's worldwidee world. This is a book about role models and identifying traits that all boys, girls, all genders can incorporate into themselves. It's not just about gender. It's about having more men and women, people of all genders who have the traits that women do bring to politics, those traditional traits that women have brought to politics. It's really important for us to think in terms of traits as opposed to gender. We have to create change.

I loved this book and I loved the profiles. Some of these women I was not familiar with before. I loved learning about them and all this history. I loved when Ruth Bader Ginsburg said, "Once you choose your role models -- it's good to have many -- I hope you set your mind to do great things and stay steady on your course. The world needs more brave and inspirational people, and you can be one of them."

To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...

[Read Ribbet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This slim volume was one of the last projects RBG worked on prior to her death. Working with Nadine Epstein, RBG helped select 35 inspiration Jewish woman who are profiled in this book. Moving from biblical to contemporary times, each woman is profiled in a 2–3-page biographical narrative. Some women will be familiar, and others are less known. The book works to provide representation to a group over overlooked. It provides good models of how to do a biographical summery for writers. It could be easily jigsawed in a class. Many profiles show the power of inquiry and other positive learning behaviors.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection of stories touched me deeply, especially the ones set in the 18th century and going forward to modern times. History is so important and remembering the plights of your ancestors is vital. Let us always remember the brave women who went before us and fought to have a voice in their own lives. Let us never go back to the oppression of our matriarchs and continue to pave the way forward to a better future. L'chaim!

[Amanda Butler · Rating 2 out of 5]

Picked this up because I needed to read a biography for a reading challenge and I wanted to learn more about Jewish history. While I enjoyed the biographies of the Biblical women as well as those of artists, actresses, scientists, and survivors, there were some Zionists included. In these, the book did not provide historical context or the whole story.

[Meghan Redmile · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been a fan of RBG for years and have so many books by her or about her that are on my TBR pile.

This was a wonderful read, learning about Jewish women who made history and need to be celebrated. I discovered so many women and their stories that I had never known of before reading this, so it's a must.

[Sarah Casady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very fascinating and inspiring women. Love that this list was chosen by RBG herself with a forward by her as well! One star taken off as there were some slights to orthodoxy and some misinformation - nearly all orhtodox girls celebrate a bar mitzvah and modern orthodoxy has a female rabbinate. We are all one, so I felt the side remarks unnecessary and taking away from the spirit of the book

[Tracy Coltharp · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh. 3 stars for what I “read” of the book. Not terribly well-written; definitely does not explain historical context well at all. 2 stars for the audio version - the reader’s voice was not to my liking in the least

[Hoover Public Library Kids and Teens · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collection of biographies of brave and brilliant Jewish females—selected in collaboration with Ruth Bader Ginsburg and including an introduction written by the iconic Supreme Court justice herself— provides young people with a roster of inspirational role models.

[Joshua Van Alstine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is really a book about the author’s favorite zionist women. My mouth has dropped so many times, how could so many secular rational people be so obsessed about creating a theocracy?

Also why did the authors just throw Saudi Arabia under the bus at the very end?

[Valerie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book because I am a RBG fan, but this book is more. It is short, but very sweet. I would especially recommend it to anyone who is considering becoming a Jew by Choice, and anyone preparing for their b'mitzvah.

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A list with brief biographies of notable Jewish women from biblical times up to the present. This book touches on some of the challenges that Jewesses have faced throughout history and calls readers to action, looking to right these wrongs and create a world where everyone has equal opportunities.

This book does what it set out to do.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Libby: Audible

3.5 stars

Short summaries of many Jewish successful women and their impacts for future generations.

[Madeline taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Half the stories were interesting and inspiring half (the biblical and ancient times) lacked depth and detail

[Adina Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

If this book went deeper on a few rather than short on a bunch, I would've enjoyed it more.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing look at the lives of powerful Jewish women. Their contributions to the world are still being felt to this day. I highly recommend this book to everyone, very enlightening.

[Marcie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing how many of these 33 women are new to me. I bought a copy for the Synagogue library as I think this would make a great pre bar/bat mitzvah class read.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This collective biography features short profiles of 33 notable Jewish women whose contributions deserve to be highlighted. The book is organized chronologically except for the initial entry focusing on Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who herself was part of this project, assisting the author in choosing the women whose bios would appear on its pages. Beginning with Biblical times and the women who saved Moses--his sister Miriam, his mother Yocheved, and Batya, the woman who rescued and reared him--and concluding with the twentieth century with nods to an opera singer, a writer, an activist, and an astronaut, among others, the book ranges widely in its recognition of these groundbreaking and socially aware individuals. Perhaps most remarkable of all is that despite what many of them had in common, they came from different backgrounds--some quite privileged and some quite poor, some quite aware of the differences they were making while others were not. Many of the stories describe the prejudices and discrimination they faced as women but also as Jews. There is something for everyone in this book and plenty of role models from which to choose as readers make choices about how they want to live their lives. A colorful full-page illustration for each woman attempts to capture each one's essence and personality. And the author generously suggests that there are so many other inspiring stories to be told and lives to be led, a notion that reminds readers that there is still so much work that needs to be done. While I'd love to have read more about each woman and had even more women profiled, this small book is just the right size and content for its intended middle grade audience.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nadine Epstein collaborated with Ruth Bader Ginsberg on a list of 33 brave and brilliant Jewish women. As the introduction said, there is an age-old connection between social justice and Jewish tradition. Deuteronomy 16:20a says “Justice, justice, you shall pursue.”
We are introduced to women from Biblical times to the present. Five of the Biblical women are connected to Moses—- his sister, mother, adopted mother, and midwives.
Several of these women I had never heard of; it was great to read about them. Bee Johnson illustrated portraits of each woman. I googled the modern times women to see their photographs.
My favorite woman, of course, was RBG. Four years ago, I sent my copy of
Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg through my postal book club round robin. I also enjoyed reading about Emma Lazarus and Emmy Noether.
I highly recommend this book be added to schools and libraries to be read.
Many thanks to Netgalley and Delacourte Press for permitting me to read this book about inspiring women.

[Yenta Knows · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review submitted to JCC Book Festival:
If there is a shaiyna maidela in your life, run, don’t walk, to put a copy of this beautiful book in her hands. Every girl needs role models, and she will find at least one – probably several – among the brief biographies of social activists, writers, scientists, financiers, lawyers, musicians and others chosen by Ruth Bader Ginzburg, the beloved Supreme Court Justice. She will learn that sexism persists. She will learn that persistence pays. She will read these inspiring words of Regina Jonas, killed at Auschwitz: “It is the duty of men and women alike to work and create according to the skills given by God.”

Even if you are beyond maidela age, you will find inspiration here.

[Lee-ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to netgalley for providing an e-galley for review. RBG's Brave & Brilliant Women is a great collection of Jewish women that are both well known and have been forgotten from history. These short chapters are bite size for easy reading. The one, fairly major drawback is that the further reading or bibliographic section is missing, as it is for most collections of this nature. This would have taken this book from good to great.

[Sarah Lowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides the readers with the opportunity to review biographies from inspiring Jewish women. This book would be a great addition to any bookshelf. The women described in the book are great role models for females of all ages.

[Shaunesay · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent collection of short biographies of women who RBG considered role models. Many of their contributions have been lost or overlooked, whether from being Jewish, or being women, sometimes both. I enjoyed learning about them and the artwork portraits of each.

[Andréa]

Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

[Samantha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick and easy read